A GRIEVING Leominster woman has suffered a further blow with the loss of precious photographs taken in the final months of her late father’s life.

A community stalwart whose work helped bring cinema and theatre to Leominster, 58-year-old Mike James’ death last November has been keenly felt in the town.

Now his daughter, Christina is making a heartfelt plea for the return of her mobile phone holding precious pictures and text messages from the last months of her father’s life.

Poignantly, Mike, a commercial photographer responsible for running the Playhouse cinema in Leominster, has been posthumously honoured this year with Leominster’s annual civic award for services to the town.

In previous years, he and his musical family have presented an open mic singing event as part of Leominster Festival, but this year the James family has decided to take a break.

“I am appealing for the return of all the pictures and messages on my phone,” said Chrissie, who works for an organic wholefoods’ business in Leominster.

She was working on the counter when she believed her handbag was stolen from a storeroom.

“I have a new phone and replacement bank cards but that’s not the point, I’m devastated that after dad died I’ve now also lost all those photographs and text messages from him.”

She dearly hopes that these precious memories can be returned to her, and she has not ruled out the possibility that someone might find her abandoned Samsung smart phone in its red leather case.

“There was seven months’ worth of memories on my phone, including text messages dad sent me when he was in hospital,” she added.

“I am not the only one to suffer as there has been a rise in thefts of handbags.”

Her bank cards were used twice in Leominster stores during the afternoon her bag was stolen, and her phone was used as well.

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